Some people spend a fortune and a lot of time visiting their doctors for issues they could probably handle themselves because they don’t know what to do. We’re not saying that seeing your doctor is wrong because if you’re ever unsure, that’s the best course of action. However, there has to be more education surrounding the lesser common health issues that could be managed independently. That’s precisely what we will discuss here, so if you’re interested, you know what to do.
Excessive Soreness
It is not normal if you have chronically sore muscles or debilitating pain. Indeed, some soreness is appropriate if you have tried a new exercise or pushed your body to its limits. DOMS, or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, is a common phenomenon that usually starts a day or two after your workout and lasts up to a few days. Some discomfort is normal and a good sign you appropriately challenged your body. Extreme soreness or an inability to do everyday things like sit down, stand up, or brush your hair without howling means you’ve overdone it. Taking time to rest is a great idea, and some low-key cardio, like walking or swimming, can help. Stretching and drinking lots of water are great ideas, too. If you find yourself in utter misery, have dark yellow urine, or run a fever, you should head straight to your doctor.
Flaky Or Painful Scalp
Having a flaky or painful scalp is more common than you think. Well, flaky is far more common than sore, and it’s a lot less of an issue. Dry skin on your scalp can be caused by a number of different factors, including overwashing, a reaction to the brand of shampoo that you are using, and other general skin conditions. It’s common for people to forget that they actually need to take care of their scalp because it’s covered in their hair and out of sight, out of mind, right? But caring for your scalp is essential to ensure that it doesn’t get sore and that you don’t end up losing the skin on your head. Oftentimes, the flakiness of your scalp will determine whether or not it ends up being sore because the more skin you lose, the more exposed it is.
Trying out a medicated shampoo could prove helpful. You can also look into shampoos rich in vitamin D. If you don’t see an improvement, booking an appointment with a dermatologist would make a lot of sense.
Pain In Your Mouth
Taking care of your oral health is crucial. While we’re often told as kids to brush twice daily, many of us aren’t taught much beyond that, leaving gaps in our understanding of proper dental care. If you’re experiencing mouth pain, it might be time to see a dentist—but first, rule out a few simple causes. Something stuck between your teeth could be the culprit, and you may be able to remove it on your own. Just be gentle to avoid making things worse.
If your teeth are sensitive, it could be a reaction to eating something too hot or cold. A brief toothache that resolves quickly usually isn’t a big issue. However, if the pain persists or comes and goes frequently, scheduling a dentist appointment is a good idea to ensure everything’s okay.
Persistent Fatigue
If you’re getting enough sleep, consider other factors. A lack of essential vitamins and exercise can affect your energy levels. You can address this by exercising often and eating more nutritiously to ensure your body gets what it needs.
If neither sleep, fitness, nor nutrition are the issue, seeing a doctor is a good idea. Persistent fatigue could be a sign of various simple and scary issues. Remember, sleep problems are often linked to mental and physical health, so getting to the root of the issue is necessary.
An Overwhelming Sense Of Doom
Are you feeling weighed down by a persistent sense of dread? This could be anxiety, and how you manage it depends on its severity. If you can function day to day without it significantly affecting your life, you may be able to manage it on your own. Techniques like controlling your breathing to calm yourself, going outdoors, exercising, or journaling may help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. If your thoughts grow increasingly dark or suicidal, immediately seek help from a professional. From counseling to medication, there are solutions for you if you need them.
Our bodies and minds are complicated. Small and significant health issues should always be addressed because … your health matters! If you can handle small-ish problems independently, that’s great. But if you’re enduring significant pain, suffering, sleeplessness, or depression … it’s time to bring in a professional! It’s always more affordable to deal with an issue at its inception than wait until it worsens.
